Director General/Executive Director
Excellencies,
Distinguished participants,
I am very pleased to be here at the launch of the Group of Friends of the Nelson Mandela Rules.
I certainly count myself among the friends of this landmark achievement in modern international law.
I would like to thank Ambassador Seokolo for this wise and timely initiative, which we at UNODC welcome and are happy to support.
In efforts to make societies more resilient to crime and to promote social cohesion and the rule of law, the international community cannot afford to disregard those in prison.
Prisoners continue to be part of society, and must be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity as human beings.
The reality, however, is that prisons across the world are in crisis. Facilities are overcrowded, or are inadequate.
Prisoners face health risks, violence and high rates of recidivism, or may be vulnerable to radicalization to violent extremism.
The adoption of the Nelson Mandela Rules by the General Assembly in December 2015 has updated and upgraded the normative framework for the treatment of prisoners and the management of prison facilities.
The rules represent a blueprint for prison management in the 21st century, to address the combined challenges of security, safety and human dignity within prison systems.
UNODC has long experience with supporting Member States to manage their prisons in line with international standards.
The Office delivers technical assistance and advisory services, and develops technical guidance documents.
We have also launched a dedicated Global Programme on Addressing Prison Challenges, which aims to reduce the scope of imprisonment; strengthen prison management and improve prison conditions; and facilitate the social integration of prisoners upon release.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The UN General Assembly named the revised rules the Nelson Mandela Rules as a tribute to the late South African President, who withstood 27 years of imprisonment in his long struggle for human rights, equality, democracy and a culture of peace.
The name that these rules bear is an encouragement and inspiration for the international community to commit to their application.
The Group of Friends formed today will have the mission to give concrete expression and support to this joint commitment.
UNODC is here to support you.
Thank you.